Difference between revisions of "Cure Lockjaw"
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==Steps== | ==Steps== | ||
===Seeking Medical Attention=== | ===Seeking Medical Attention=== | ||
| − | #Understand what lockjaw is. "Lockjaw" is a colloquial term used to describe spasms of the masseter muscles (the jaw muscles) as a result of being infected with tetanus.<ref>http://www.uptodate.com/contents/tetanus</ref> Tetanus is a bacterial infection that results in painful muscle spasms; there is no cure, and 10–20% of cases result in death, which is why preventative tetanus vaccination is key.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/vaccines/tetanus-vaccine</ref> | + | #Understand what lockjaw is. "Lockjaw" is a colloquial term used to describe spasms of the masseter muscles (the jaw muscles) as a result of being infected with tetanus.<ref name="rf1">http://www.uptodate.com/contents/tetanus</ref> Tetanus is a bacterial infection that results in painful muscle spasms; there is no cure, and 10–20% of cases result in death, which is why preventative tetanus vaccination is key.<ref name="rf2">http://www.webmd.com/vaccines/tetanus-vaccine</ref> |
| − | #*Most people now receive the tetanus vaccine in their youth, which makes this disease quite rare.<ref | + | #*Most people now receive the tetanus vaccine in their youth, which makes this disease quite rare.<ref name="rf1" /> The vaccine lasts for 10 years, so after that point a booster vaccine will be needed in order to stay immune to tetanus. |
| − | #*The tetanus infection is not passed from person to person; rather, it is contracted via a wound, usually a deep wound that can allow bacteria from the environment (usually soil) to get into the body.<ref | + | #*The tetanus infection is not passed from person to person; rather, it is contracted via a wound, usually a deep wound that can allow bacteria from the environment (usually soil) to get into the body.<ref name="rf1" /> This is why whenever patients present to the Emergency Room with a deep wound, they are asked about the status of their tetanus vaccination. |
| − | #*Symptoms of tetanus usually begin to appear about a week after being infected with the bacteria. In addition to the spasms of the jaw muscles (the "lockjaw" symptoms), other symptoms of tetanus can include headache, fever, sweating, restlessness, trouble swallowing, irritability, and strange-looking facial expressions due to the muscle stiffness and spasms.<ref | + | #*Symptoms of tetanus usually begin to appear about a week after being infected with the bacteria. In addition to the spasms of the jaw muscles (the "lockjaw" symptoms), other symptoms of tetanus can include headache, fever, sweating, restlessness, trouble swallowing, irritability, and strange-looking facial expressions due to the muscle stiffness and spasms.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Seek rapid medical attention.<ref>http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/229594-treatment</ref> Ideally, you will have seen a doctor right when you were first potentially exposed to the tetanus bacteria. If you have not been immunized within the past 10 years, they will inject you with tetanus immune globulin followed by the vaccine. | + | #Seek rapid medical attention.<ref name="rf3">http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/229594-treatment</ref> Ideally, you will have seen a doctor right when you were first potentially exposed to the tetanus bacteria. If you have not been immunized within the past 10 years, they will inject you with tetanus immune globulin followed by the vaccine. |
#*3,000 to 6,000 units of tetanus immune globulin drug is administered via intramuscular shots. This injectable solution contains Immunoglobulin G, an antibody that helps your body get rid of all the toxins produced by the tetanus causing bacteria. Administration of this treatment will boost your immunity, helping you fight the infection. | #*3,000 to 6,000 units of tetanus immune globulin drug is administered via intramuscular shots. This injectable solution contains Immunoglobulin G, an antibody that helps your body get rid of all the toxins produced by the tetanus causing bacteria. Administration of this treatment will boost your immunity, helping you fight the infection. | ||
#*A local anesthetic can be added to the injection to lower the amount of pain. Administration of this drug must always be done under medical supervision. | #*A local anesthetic can be added to the injection to lower the amount of pain. Administration of this drug must always be done under medical supervision. | ||
| − | #*The doctors will also clean your wound thoroughly, and remove any foreign material that may be present in the wound, to minimize the chances of a tetanus infection.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tetanus/basics/treatment/con-20021956</ref> | + | #*The doctors will also clean your wound thoroughly, and remove any foreign material that may be present in the wound, to minimize the chances of a tetanus infection.<ref name="rf4">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tetanus/basics/treatment/con-20021956</ref> |
#*Note that if you are already presenting with symptoms of "lockjaw," this means that you are late in seeking treatment; however, the doctors will give you the injection anyway even though it is preferable to have gotten it earlier (it can still be somewhat effective later on). | #*Note that if you are already presenting with symptoms of "lockjaw," this means that you are late in seeking treatment; however, the doctors will give you the injection anyway even though it is preferable to have gotten it earlier (it can still be somewhat effective later on). | ||
| − | #Try medications. If you have a tetanus infection, home treatment is not an option, and medications will be administered in the hospital. Muscle relaxers, such as Carisoprodol, and sedatives are commonly used to help relieve muscle spasms in your jaw and elsewhere on your body.<ref | + | #Try medications. If you have a tetanus infection, home treatment is not an option, and medications will be administered in the hospital. Muscle relaxers, such as Carisoprodol, and sedatives are commonly used to help relieve muscle spasms in your jaw and elsewhere on your body.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#*Neuromuscular blocking agents are also useful in treating spasms. These medications include pancuronium, vecuronium, and baclofen.<ref>Engrand N, Guerot E, Rouamba A, Vilain G. The efficacy of intrathecal baclofen in severe tetanus. Anesthesiology 1999; 90:1773. | #*Neuromuscular blocking agents are also useful in treating spasms. These medications include pancuronium, vecuronium, and baclofen.<ref>Engrand N, Guerot E, Rouamba A, Vilain G. The efficacy of intrathecal baclofen in severe tetanus. Anesthesiology 1999; 90:1773. | ||
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